Deciding to officially end your marriage is a very difficult decision, even if you and your spouse have been butting heads for a while. If you have decided to get a divorce, then you and your spouse may be wondering how to go about the process. California couples have various options when it comes to divorce, so it is important that you choose the one that is best for you and your family. A family law attorney can assist in that decision and help you move forward with whatever you decide.
You have most likely heard of divorce occurring through traditional litigation. This often requires you and your spouse to handle your divorce by making legal arguments in open court. By utilizing this method, you may have little say in what happens, as all decisions are left to the judge hearing the case. These litigated divorces can be more expensive and take more time, but in more complex cases involving domestic abuse or other complicated issues, it may be the best option.
However, not all divorces in California require couples to battle it out in the courtroom. Mediation is also a viable option for couples who can agree to act civilly and work together to compromise on various divorce issues. Mediation allows both sides to be heard in the presence of a neutral third-party mediator who will assist in guiding the parties toward resolution. You and your spouse will have a lot of control in how things are handled in mediation, and, if all goes well, your divorce may be finalized fairly quickly.
The collaborative divorce process allows you and your spouse to use a team of experts and your attorneys to come to a final agreement regarding your divorce. There is no mediator, but you and your spouse, along with your attorneys, will be in charge of the negotiation process, whereby information and perspective from the experts can prove useful.
Before you decide which type of divorce is right for you, it may be in your best interest to consult with a family law attorney. An attorney who is experienced in this area of the law may be able to help you determine how best to approach your case so that your finances, property, and time with your children are as fully protected as possible.
